robert

...and so defects, because it's obvious what the other player intends.

More interestingly, what if the program being simulated has a really clever algorithm that just happens to take S steps to compute?

Let's introduce a time limit. Say that after a maximum of S computations (i.e., computation steps using some standardized notion) have passed, each player is forced to make a decision.

Now, write a program that is opaque to introspection: to find out what it decides (i.e. to COOPERATE or DEFECT) , it must be simulated until it halts. This program could use cryptography or other obsfuscation systems (random numbers would be useful). Engineer this program so that it take exactly S steps to run to completion.

The simulating player does not have time to both sim... (read more)